Standard Group journalist arrested while covering protests in Siaya

Isaiah Gwengi.

A Standard Group journalist was on Friday, July 7, arrested while covering Saba Saba protests in Bondo, Siaya County.

Isaiah Gwengi was allegedly assaulted by police in Bondo town while taking photos of the protesters.

Police momentarily held him at Bondo Police Station, and would release him nearly an hour later.

"I showed the officers my job identification card but they continued to beat me up. They confiscated my camera and locked me up," said Gwengi.

Gwengi sustained injuries on his face during the scuffle with the officers.

Bondo sub-county police commander Ibrahim Kosi, who spoke to The Standard, said the arrest could have been a case of mistaken identity.

Another journalist in Kisumu, James Keyi of Reuters, also sustained minor injuries and lost his equipment after he was attacked by goons while covering the anti-government protests.

Journalists condemned the arrest and criticized the harassment of their colleagues while undertaking their duties.

Kenya Correspondents Association chairperson William Janak termed the arrest unlawful and called for the immediate release of the journalist.

"We demand the immediate release of Gwengi who is being detained by police officers. We will not accept the continued harassment of journalists in the country," said Janak.